Lawyers for the state and fired Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation agent Larry Hedlund are sparring over whether his wrongful termination lawsuit can proceed in court.

The Iowa Attorney General's Office has filed a motion asking a judge to put Hedlund's lawsuit on hold. Its lawyers say that Hedlund's termination technically isn't final because he will still get paid until the Employment Appeals Board rules on whether there is cause to support it.

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The AG's office says Hedlund should go through that administrative process first, and it's premature to seek remedies in court. It also says the Public Employment Relations Board should hear his separate claim of whistleblower retaliation.

Hedlund's attorney has filed a motion asking a judge to declare those administrative appeals unnecessary, and allow the lawsuit to continue.